The trial involving former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu is scheduled to commence in February next year. Ravu is facing charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi.
During a hearing this morning at the Suva Magistrates Court, Ravu appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou to request a variation of his bail to allow him to travel to China. Toaisi was absent from the proceedings due to a misunderstanding regarding the hearing date.
The first set of allegations involves corrupt practices related to false declarations connected to the FijiFirst Party, specifically regarding the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and an individual named Tito Bainimarama.
Additionally, there are complaints filed against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem concerning collusion and conflict of interest, as well as Arif Ali for making a $10,000 donation to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant.
Other complaints involve President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. There is also a complaint against Voreqe Bainimarama for allegedly submitting false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
Furthermore, a complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum pertains to his failure to declare an overseas travel allowance.
Regarding other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, investigations are ongoing, and the Fijian Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has stated that it will refrain from making any comments until the investigations conclude. FICAC emphasized that it continues to operate normally and that all complaints are handled with the appropriate scrutiny, regardless of the individual involved.